Students recognized at the American Advertising Federation
Five Central Michigan University advertising students were selected from the mid-Michigan region to receive awards from the American Advertising Federation.
Sponsored by the AAF, the award ceremony was held at Lumber Baron’s Brewery of Bay City.
Known as an “Addy Awards," are given to both students and professionals. Competitors are to create a hypothetical advertising campaign for a selected product.
Working as a team, three CMU students chose to campaign Kinky Liqueur, earning a silver award. The campaign featured scantily clad men.
“It was a very collaborative process and we all contributed equally,” said Garden City senior Breann Wasson. “Our idea could open a lot of doors.”
Found humorous by the judges and audience, the project was also a step in the right direction away from sexualizing women in the media, said Livonia senior Andrea Shaw, one of the students who worked on the submission.
“We are starting to learn that yes, sex sells, but it seems like the easy way out,” Shaw said.
All three of the students agreed that accepting the award shed light on the advertising program at CMU.
“I am really proud to represent CMU. We have a strong advertising program and it reflects on how much we have learned,” said Georgia senior Stephanie Butcher.
Sterling Heights senior Dan Hlivka won a silver Addy Award for his outdoor and poster campaign titled “Let Travelosity Consume You.” Working individually, Hlivka said, gave him more artistic freedom.
“Winning an Addy has definitely boosted my confidence to graduate and make achievements in the work force,” he said.
Santiago, Chile senior Ettore Risi Mortola accepted the AAF Graphic Design and Advertising Student Scholarship of $500. Judges unanimously chose him based on the four pieces submitted from his portfolio.
"When I won I felt very accomplished and grateful for the award and recognition," said Mortola. "I felt surprised that I was chosen over such talented fell students and artists."
University Art Gallery will be hosting a Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition showcasing more of their work from April 3-18.
